In the fast-paced eCommerce world, a visually appealing and user-friendly online store can be a significant factor in your success. And Shopify does offer a large range of themes, helping merchants build stunning storefronts. 

Yet, we understand that every business is unique, catering to distinct customer needs and preferences. While Shopify themes offer a solid foundation, there are times when your store requires a personalized touch that standard themes may not fully satisfy. This is where the power of "customizing Shopify themes" comes into play.

In this article, we’ll provide a full guide to customizing Shopify themes, making it possible to build your store exactly as you want. 

Now let’s jump in! 

About Shopify theme customization 

In the Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to Online Store > Themes. Here you find the default theme Dawn. If you want something fresher, scroll down to visit the theme store for more options. 

You can choose to customize your current theme or the one you have in your library just by clicking on the Customize button. 

Shopify theme customization 

Customizing Shopify themes: Section by section 

Within your page themes, you'll find an array of sections - each serving a unique purpose - that enable you to create the perfect online storefront. 

Some sections remain fixed in place, such as Headers and Footers, providing stability and consistency throughout your pages. Others, like the enticing Featured Collections and captivating Image Blocks, offer the freedom to relocate and adapt to your store's specific needs. 

Each section has its own setting for customization. 

Header section 

The Header section of your Shopify store plays a pivotal role, as it graces every page, leaving a lasting impression on your visitors. Customizing this key element allows you to infuse your brand's identity and optimize navigation seamlessly across all pages.

In the Refresh theme, the possibilities for Header customization are extensive. Here are some exciting transformations you can make:

• Logo position on large screens: Position your logo optimally on larger screens, creating an eye-catching focal point for your customers.
• Navigation menu: Customize the navigation menu to suit your store's structure and provide effortless access to your products and content.
• Desktop menu type: Tailor the menu type specifically for desktop users, making it intuitive and user-friendly for those browsing on larger screens
• Separator line: Add a stylish separator line to enhance the visual appeal and organization of your Header section.

Customize the Shopify theme’s header section

Footer section 

Similar to the Header, any updates you make to your Footer section will have a widespread impact across all pages of your Shopify store.

The customization options available may vary depending on your theme, but with Refresh, you have an array of possibilities to enhance your Footer:

• Theme-based color scheme: Customize the color scheme in line with your brand's identity, ensuring a seamless integration of your store's design elements.
• Email subscription form: Engage with your audience by adding an email subscription form to keep them updated with your latest offers and news.
• Follow on shop: Allow customers to follow your store on the Shop app from your storefront.
• Social media icons: Leverage the power of social media by displaying icons that link to your various platforms, fostering customer engagement and brand recognition.
• Country/Region selector: Enhance the user experience for global customers by providing a convenient country or region selector.
• Language selector: Cater to a diverse audience by including a language selector to enable visitors to access your store in their preferred language.
• Payment method icons: Instill trust and confidence in your customers by showcasing the payment methods you accept.

Other sections 

As mentioned earlier, each section comes with its own set of customization choices, giving you the freedom to tailor the store to your liking.

Just like with the Header and Footer, the preview screen will instantly reflect the changes you make, allowing you to see your modifications in real time.

For instance, let's take the Featured collection section as an example. Here, you can select the collection you want to showcase, decide the number of products to display, and fine-tune image display settings to create a visually striking presentation.

Customize other sections

Add a section 

Shopify allows you to add as many sections/blocks as possible. On the right-hand side, click on Add section and pick the theme section you want. 

The Refresh theme lets you add sections like Featured collection, Featured product, Collection list, Image banner, Slideshow, and so on. 

Add a section to your Shopify theme

Move a section

Just as simple as adding a section, you also can move a section anywhere you like within the page.

​​Hover your cursor over the section you wish to relocate, and a six-dotted icon will appear. Your cursor will change into an open white-gloved hand, showing that you can now edit the section.

The preview screen will show how the section looks as you move it. Once it's in the right spot, release the cursor, and it settles into place.

Move a section within your Shopify theme

Customizing Shopify themes with Liquid languages 

To take Shopify customizations to the next level, you can dive into the theme code. Most Shopify themes are built using Liquid, which is Shopify's templating language, along with JavaScript, JSON, CSS, and HTML. Editing a theme's source code requires familiarity with HTML, CSS, and the fundamentals of Liquid.

With this level of control, you have the freedom to customize Shopify themes for all of the platform's 100+ website templates, including both free and paid options. 

Duplicate & generate a backup of the Shopify theme 

For anything that unexpectedly happens, Shopify always suggests backing up or duplicating your current theme. Click on the three dots next to each theme and choose Duplicate in the drop-down list. Then you can start customizing the copied one. 

Create a backup before customizing Shopify themes

Navigate “Edit code”

In the same drop-down list when you duplicate your theme, simply click on Edit code to make some changes to the Shopify code. 

Edit code to custom Shopify store theme

Customize theme code 

To begin customizing Shopify themes, head to the Layout folder and then theme.liquid. This file serves as the foundation for your store's overall layout and structure.

With theme.liquid open, you can add custom text fields to your Shopify pages, and freely display unique content to your customers.

In Shopify, Liquid files play a crucial role, giving easy access to specific variables and making customization a breeze.

For a comprehensive guide on working with Liquid in Shopify, the platform provides a Liquid reference that covers everything you need to know about customizing Shopify themes using Liquid code.

Use Liquid language to edit code in Shopify

Customizing Shopify themes - FAQs

1. How to customize your Shopify look? 

Once you've selected a theme for your online store, you can start customizing it with the theme editor in your Shopify admin. With this tool, you can preview your theme, adjust settings, and effortlessly manage your content - adding, removing, editing, and rearranging elements to perfectly align with your unique brand.

2. How to customize Shopify themes CSS? 

Simply go to your Shopify dashboard and navigate to Online Store >Themes. Navigate to the Theme library, click on the three dots next to each theme, and then choose Edit code. On the left sidebar, scroll down to find the Assets folder. Then, upload your CSS file to customize your store. 

3. How to create a theme on Shopify?

Within your Shopify dashboard, go to Online Store > Themes. Click on Add theme in the Theme library. Then click Upload zip file to upload your own theme. 

Wrapping up! 

You've now learned the guide to customizing Shopify themes step by step. Once you're satisfied with your changes and have tested your store, simply click to publish and make your customizations live for your customers to see.

Before going live, double-check your content and functionalities. Review your theme on different devices and browsers to ensure a consistent experience. Lastly, communicate the changes to your audience and make adjustments based on feedback or analytics data.